Two of the newspaper articles I have tracked down regarding the 1837 murder of John Brill in Youngwood (now part of Mad Bess Wood), and the 1845 magistrate's hearing of his alleged murderer, poacher Charles Lamb, call Mad Bess Wood; "Mad Bessy" wood.
As Ruislip historian Elien Bowlt has documented, in the 18th century, the wood today called Mad Bess, consisted of several woods, North Riding, Mad Bess, Youngwood, Standell's Wood and Censor's Wood, and it is only in recent years, Mad Bess has become the predominant name.
The first article, which can be read in full here, is from 1837, and the name "Mad Bessy" appears, when the journalist quotes Charles Churchill, the owner of Young Wood farm and the employer of the John Brill, whilst he was under oath at the Magistrate's court.
As Ruislip historian Elien Bowlt has documented, in the 18th century, the wood today called Mad Bess, consisted of several woods, North Riding, Mad Bess, Youngwood, Standell's Wood and Censor's Wood, and it is only in recent years, Mad Bess has become the predominant name.
The first article, which can be read in full here, is from 1837, and the name "Mad Bessy" appears, when the journalist quotes Charles Churchill, the owner of Young Wood farm and the employer of the John Brill, whilst he was under oath at the Magistrate's court.
Bell's Life in London, and Sporting Chronicle, February 26, 1937, p.5
The second appearance of the name "Mad Bessy" wood, appears in a different newspaper, eight years later. The article can be read in full here.
Lloyds' Weekly London Newspaper, January 12, 1845, page 2
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